The electron configuration unit can get a little dry. Electron configuration is a tough unit for highly connected labs. Try using this easy, minimal-setup activity to really build the students’ ability to identify electron configurations from the periodic table. Play Battleship!
Setup
There is really minimal setup for this activity. All you need is a laminated periodic table for each student as well as a dry erase marker. Some kids used their binders to make a wall between the players and others just held up their laminated sheets to keep their boats a secret.
In honors chemistry, they could play using the entire periodic table including the f-block. Yes, I know that there are more exceptions to the rules down there, but I figured they were building their systems, so it couldn’t hurt. In regular chemistry I limited them to the top five energy levels so as to avoid the f-block. I do teach them about the f-block and its unique energy position, but it didn’t serve those kids well to get confused this early in the unit.
I used Battleship early in their electron configuration careers. I introduced the idea all the way through but have only spent about 30 minutes really focused on it. Then we play Battleship for about 25-30 minutes and then I give a 10-question quiz. This all happens on a block period.
How to play electron configuration Battleship
The game is simple. Each student draws four boats on their periodic table by boxing connected elements. I had them draw a 2-element boat, a three, a four and a five. No diagonal boats and no wrap-around boats. That is their fleet.
Each student takes turns “shooting” at the other boats. Instead of saying what element they want to shoot, they list out the electron configuration. For instance, if a student wanted to shoot nitrogen, they would say 1s22s22p3. The other student checks to see if it is a hit or a miss.
Pro Tip
After the student says the electron configuration, the other student must confirm what element they intended. If they don’t confirm afterward, students can be using incorrect skills to identify elements. As long as they are confirming you, as the teacher, will find out really quickly who needs help because they will argue! This is a great way to move around the room and sit with those who need more help while the kids who are ready to go can run as fast as they want.
Pro Tip 2
At some point in the game, make a classroom announcement that everyone’s next shot must be in the two columns that are the exception to the Aufbau principle. I like to teach these exceptions (chromium’s column and copper’s column) as it helps them predict how many valence electrons will be in those atoms.
Ending the Game
After about 20 minutes, I start giving them a warning that the game will end soon. At 25 minutes, I shut it down, whether or not their game is completely finished. Usually at this time only about 1-2 teams have actually finished. For the early finishers, I make them play another round with fewer ships.
If they are tied, the person who sank the smallest boat wins. If it is still a tie, well, tough luck.
Pro Tip 3
Once the students know how to play, electron configuration battleship is a decent sub plan item as it takes minimal setup and the kids enjoy it.
I hope that this game helps you engage your kids well in electron configurations. It’s an efficient activity that will boost their confidence quickly and won’t sink all your time. (See what I did there?)
Looking for other games to engage students on challenging topics? Check out our curriculum-centric chemistry games! Up & Atom helps students understand the mole. CHeMgO gives them a chance to figure out ionic compounds. Trendy builds confidence in periodic trends. Check them out today!
The Mole Day Sale is coming! Mole Day is the biggest sale of the year, with 23% off all games for 12 hours only. Make sure to tell all your chemistry teaching friends. Or at least your nerdy ones.
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